Alleviating Poverty in Wales – The Role of Universities

The University’s work was featured at an event in the Senedd this week to highlight the important work that Welsh universities are doing in and with their communities.

The event aimed to demonstrate how Welsh universities are helping to tackle poverty in communities across Wales.  The University’s Drop-in Centre in Blaen-y-Maes, Swansea developed by the Widening Access Team was featured as a case study.

Sam Bowen, Widening Access Manager, Nicola Powell, Civic Engagement Development Officer (Swansea & Cardiff), Anna Jones, Head of Civic Engagement,  and Laura-Cait, Civic Engagement Development Officer (Carmarthen and Lampeter).

The event showed that Wales’ universities play a vital role in tackling poverty in communities across the country. This is the message of an event held in the Senedd this week to.

Welsh universities bring significant economic benefits to the whole of Wales – generating over £5 billion per year for the economy and one in 20 jobs across the country. However, they also have a significant impact on a local scale, working hands-on to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve.

Convened by the Universities Wales Civic Mission Network, the event showcased the work Welsh universities are doing to help alleviate poverty of different kinds – from tackling health inequalities and food poverty, to working with disadvantaged groups to improve access to culture and the arts.

Two years on from the launch of the Civic Mission Framework for Wales in 2021, the event demonstrates how civic mission activity has continued to develop across Wales over the past two years, with universities collaborating with partners to deliver against the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.  

Chair of the Universities Wales Civic Mission Network, Lynnette Thomas, said:

“Our universities have an important role to play in communities across Wales, beyond their traditional remit of learning, teaching and research.

 “Poverty is an increasingly urgent challenge facing the people and places of Wales. By working in partnership with communities, businesses and other agencies, universities are having a significant impact in this area, finding innovative solutions to challenges and making a tangible difference to people’s lives right across the country.

 “Today’s event shows what can be achieved through collaboration and creative thinking, and I look forward to seeing what more we can achieve when we work together.”

 Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said:

 “While there is always more to do, I am proud that Wales’s higher education sector is leading the way with our Civic Mission Framework.

 “Universities and higher education institutions have a critical role to play in addressing poverty, as they have unique resources and capabilities that can make a significant impact. It’s excellent to see the sector’s commitment to this.

 “The Commission for Tertiary Education and Research will encourage institutions to reach beyond the campus and ensure this good practice continues, develops and grow in importance over time.”

University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) – Blaen y Maes Drop-in Centre

UWTSD is working in partnership with Blaen y Maes Drop-in Centre in Swansea to provide opportunities for the local community to engage in family and adult learning activities. Funded and supported by UWTSD’s Widening Access department and its commitment to the Reaching Wider Partnership, the project has engaged with over 60 families and 200 community members to date.

Activities aimed towards removing barriers that would otherwise stop participant engagement have included sessions focused on well-being, nature, arts, numeracy and literacy, creating and building confidence, as well as opportunities to be part of the wider UWTSD community network through local and national events such as the Swansea Christmas Parade and Refugee week.